Device for capturing at least one process variable and method for operating a cleaning machine

ABSTRACT

A device ( 1 ) is provided for capturing at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber ( 2 ) of a cleaning machine ( 3 ), in particular a washing machine ( 4 ) and/or dishwasher ( 15 ). The device includes a sensor unit ( 5 ) configured to capture the process variable and is designed for detachable arrangement in the work chamber ( 2 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2022 108 280.6, filed Apr. 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for capturing at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber of a cleaning machine. In particular, such devices can be found in a washing machine and/or dishwasher.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a cleaning machine, in particular a washing machine and/or dishwasher.

BACKGROUND

Objects, such as preferably crockery or laundry, must be cleaned after use in order to remove dirt residues and, if necessary, to prevent microbial growth on the objects. Conventionally, the cleaning machines described at the outset are used to clean the soiled objects. In order to enable optimal cleaning, certain process variables, such as a pH value, a process temperature and cleaning agent, are required and optionally adjusted on the cleaning machine before operation.

However, malfunctions often occur during a cleaning procedure and consequently result in insufficient cleaning results. This can lead to incorrect dosing of a cleaning agent during a cleaning procedure. Likewise, a cleaning duration can be too long or too short, or a cleaning temperature too warm or too cold. It is problematic that often no or insufficient measurement values of process variables are captured during the cleaning procedure. At best, a cleaning result can be visually assessed after the cleaning procedure. Overall, when operating previously known cleaning machines, it is usually not possible to optimally set process variables, in particular the aforementioned process variables, since measurement values are not captured during a cleaning run. As a result, an item to be cleaned can even be damaged.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve the operation in the case of liquid-carrying work chambers of cleaning machines.

To solve the aforementioned problem, one or more of the features disclosed herein according to the invention are used. In particular, in order to achieve the stated object in a device of the type described at the outset, it is provided according to the invention that a sensor unit configured to capture the process variable is designed for detachable arrangement in the work chamber. A process variable, for example at least one of the process variables mentioned at the outset, can be captured in the work chamber by a sensor unit. Thus, the sensor unit can particularly preferably capture a process variable during a cleaning procedure, as a result of which work in a liquid-carrying work chamber can be improved.

If necessary, the device can be removed or replaced after each cleaning procedure. Consequently, the at least one process variable can very advantageously be read out at least after a cleaning procedure.

The device can be arranged or designed in such a way that the device moves in the liquid-carrying work chamber during a cleaning procedure. As a result, a device according to the invention can be used independently of the design of the work chamber, as a result of which a device according to the invention can be used particularly flexibly.

Alternatively or additionally, the device can be arranged or designed to be stationary. By way of example, in the case of a dishwasher, provision can be made for the device according to the invention to preferably be positionable in a dish rack and/or cutlery rack. In any case, the device can be arranged in the cleaning machine in such a way that at least the at least one sensor unit comes into contact with the liquid in the work chamber.

The detachable arrangement of the device or the sensor unit allows the device or the sensor unit located therein to be removed and serviced. As a result of the possibility of maintenance, a device or sensor unit can have a particularly durable design. A detachable arrangement can be advantageous in that the sensor unit or device according to the invention can be easily swapped between different liquid-carrying work chambers. As a result, a consumer can make do with one device according to the invention for capturing at least one process variable in different liquid-carrying work chambers.

The detachable arrangement of the device or the sensor unit also allows the device to be cleaned, serviced and/or readjusted between two cleaning procedures. Thus, a capture of measurement values in cleaning procedures can be particularly accurate.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for the sensor unit to comprise an encapsulated power supply. As a result, the sensor unit can be autonomously supplied with power, which may be advantageous, especially if, as described or claimed below, the sensor unit has a transmitter for the wireless transmission of measurement values.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for the sensor unit to comprise at least one sensor for temperature, pH value and/or exposure. In this way, at least one temperature, one pH value and/or the exposure of the liquid in the work chamber can advantageously be measured or captured.

By capturing a temperature using a suitable temperature sensor known to a person skilled in the art, it is possible to capture an exact temperature profile in the cleaning liquid.

An ISFET sensor, for example, can be used to capture a pH value directly in the cleaning liquid. By capturing the pH value, conclusions can advantageously be drawn as to whether sufficient cleaning agent has been added to the cleaning procedure.

A process time can be determined by using a light-sensitive sensor. From this, it is possible to derive how long a cleaning machine actually required for the cleaning procedure.

It can be particularly advantageous if at least two of the aforementioned process variables or other process variables relevant to cleaning procedures are captured, since this allows more comprehensive documentation or recording of a cleaning procedure. As a result, a cleaning procedure can be manipulated, that is to say stopped, for example. On account of the measurement data of at least one process variable captured by the sensor unit, it is also possible to regulate certain parameters, such as the amount of detergent. As a result, an operation of a cleaning machine can be particularly improved.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for the sensor unit to comprise a storage means for capturing measurement values of the at least one process variable. Storing a record of captured measurement values can be advantageous if a record should be compared with a previous record. The evolving performance of a cleaning machine can consequently be documented and traced over a certain period of time, as a result of which a user can react in timely fashion to a loss of performance or a drop in performance of the cleaning machine. By way of example, the drop in temperature between different cleaning runs of a cleaning machine can be captured by the recorded and stored data of the sensor unit. As a type of early warning system, the sensor unit can consequently provide information that, in the aforementioned example, a heating rod of a cleaning machine may be defective, which may be the reason for the drop in temperature between the different cleaning runs. As a result, the performance of a cleaning machine can be monitored or adjusted very advantageously.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for the sensor unit to comprise a time measuring means for capturing a time of measurement of the process variable. As a result, a process variable can be captured at an exact point in time.

Provision can advantageously be made for a sequence of measurement times to be rendered measurable or adjustable by the time measuring means, with the result that the at least one process variable can advantageously be captured at a plurality of measurement times. Likewise, an at least partially continuous measurement of the at least one process variable can advantageously be realized, with it being possible for a measurement interval to be captured or set by the time measuring means.

By using a time measuring means, a record of a cleaning procedure can be understood in a particularly informative and accurate manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for a collecting surface for cleaning liquid to be formed on the sensor unit. As a result, a cleaning liquid advantageously can be supplied to the sensor unit in order to be able to record the at least one process variable. This can be advantageous in particular if the device only partially protrudes or can only partially protrude into the cleaning liquid.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for the sensor unit to form a heat buffer. As a result, a temperature of the cleaning liquid advantageously can be regulated, with the result that costs can be reduced when heating a cleaning agent liquid. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the sensor unit forms at least one temperature sensor or the temperature sensor, in particular the temperature sensor mentioned above or claimed below.

In particular, the heat buffer can be designed to simulate a temperature response behaviour of a cleaning item. In this way it is possible to ensure that a specific temperature threshold value, which could for example be harmful to the cleaning item, in particular dishes or laundry, is not exceeded.

In an advantageous embodiment, provision can be made for the sensor unit to comprise a transmitter for the wireless transmission of measurement values. In this way, recorded measurement values particularly advantageously can be transmitted to a receiver. As a result, “live” tracking of a cleaning procedure is rendered possible or it is consequently possible to control, for example abort, a cleaning procedure. It may also be advantageous for the receiver to store the recorded measurement data so that, as already explained above, the measurement data are subsequently available and can be compared with one another.

Wireless transmission may be implementable, for example, via Bluetooth or other wireless connections known to a person skilled in the art.

As an alternative or in addition, the features of the alternative independent claim directed to a method are provided according to the invention in order to achieve the stated object. In particular, in order to achieve the stated object in a method of the type described at the outset, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one process variable is measured in a liquid-carrying work chamber. Consequently, at least one process variable can be measured directly during a cleaning procedure. Measurement data of this type can also be used to draw conclusions about the performance and condition of individual components of the cleaning machine, as a result of which these components can be cleaned or serviced in a timely manner. Thus, the measurement data captured by the method according to the invention can be used to ensure that servicing of the cleaning machine is scheduled at an early stage and/or that components of the cleaning machine are replaced at least to retain cleaning performance.

The acquisition of measurement data at least during the operation of the cleaning machine advantageously allows process parameters to be adjusted so that a cleaning procedure can be optimized. Thus, the operation of liquid-carrying work chambers of cleaning machines can be improved.

In an advantageous development of the method, provision can be made for the process variable to be a physical property of a cleaning liquid which preferably flows freely in the work chamber. Consequently, direct conclusions advantageously can be drawn about, for example, the dosage of a cleaning agent, the pH value of the cleaning liquid or the cleaning temperature during the cleaning procedure.

In an advantageous development of the method, provision can be made for the process variable to be an ambient characteristic variable. An ambient characteristic variable can be understood to be a variable that describes a state in a medium that preferably surrounds the sensor unit. By way of example, this medium can be a cleaning liquid or the aforementioned cleaning liquid or any other fluid located in the cleaning device. Consequently, an ambient characteristic variable can be a pressure or a relative humidity, for example. In particular, the ambient variable can be an exposure of the sensor unit. Consequently, at least one function of the sensor unit advantageously can be regulated on the basis of the captured ambient characteristic variable. By way of example, provision can be made for a function of the sensor unit to be switched on or off on the basis of a specific light intensity. As a result, a sensor unit advantageously can be activated when a cleaning procedure is being carried out.

In an advantageous development of the method, provision can be made for the at least one process variable to be measured using a separate sensor unit. As a result, the at least one process variable and the ambient characteristic variable, for example the one ambient characteristic variable, can be captured by separate sensor units. As a result, sensor units can be variably positioned in a cleaning machine, which may be advantageous.

Particularly preferably, the at least one process variable is measured by a sensor unit as described above and/or as claimed below.

In the process, provision can be made for, in particular, the sensor unit to be placed in the work chamber before a cleaning procedure and/or removed from the work chamber after the cleaning procedure. As a result, the sensor unit can be read out between different cleaning procedures and/or can be stored outside of the work chamber in order to be protected from external influences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments without however being restricted to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments arise by combining the features of individual claims or of a plurality of claims among themselves and/or with individual features or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiments.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows an operating cleaning machine designed as a dishwasher, comprising a device according to the invention arranged in the work chamber of the cleaning machine,

FIG. 2 shows the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 after operation has taken place, with the device according to the invention having been removed from the work chamber,

FIG. 3 shows an operating cleaning machine designed as a washing machine, comprising a device according to the invention arranged in the work chamber of the cleaning machine, and

FIG. 4 shows the washing machine shown in FIG. 3 after operation has taken place, with the device according to the invention having been removed from the work chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 3 show an operating cleaning machine 3 comprising a device 1 according to the invention arranged in the work chamber 2 of the cleaning machine 3.

The device 1 according to the invention is detachably arranged in the work chamber 2, which can be recognized, for example, by virtue of the device 1 having been removed from the cleaning machine 3 after its operation has finished (see FIGS. 2 and 4 ).

Provision can also be made for only the at least one sensor unit 5 to be able to be removed from the device 1 and hence from the cleaning machine 3.

During operation of the cleaning machine 3 designed as a dishwasher 15 (FIG. 1 ) or as a washing machine 4 (FIG. 3 ), the device 1 is in a cleaning liquid 13 which cleans dirty dishes or laundry in the work chamber 2. In the process, the device 1 can be fixed at one location during the cleaning procedure, for example in a dish insert 16 (FIG. 1 ). Free positioning of the device 1 in the work chamber 2, as shown in FIG. 3 , is also possible. The cleaning liquid 13 or a part thereof can be supplied to the sensor unit 5 via the collecting surface 10 (FIGS. 1 and 3 ). This may be advantageous, in particular, if a specific sensor 7 is located at one end of the collecting surface 10 in order to capture measurement data.

At least one process variable is captured by the at least one sensor unit 5. Certain process variables, such as a pH value, a temperature or an exposure, can each be captured by the sensor unit 5 using a sensor 7 that is suitable for the respective process variable.

The sensor unit 5 can be powered by its own encapsulated power supply 6 such that the sensor unit 5 is supplied with power during the cleaning procedure and while situated in the cleaning liquid 13. Consequently, a cleaning procedure can be recorded in full in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular due to the sensor unit 5 comprising a storage means 8 such as a data memory for recording measurement values of the at least one process variable and due to the sensor unit 5 comprising a time measuring means 9 such as a timer for capturing a measurement time of the process variable. Consequently, conclusions can be drawn about the cleaning procedure and individual components installed in the cleaning machine 3, and this may be particularly advantageous.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4 , it is particularly advantageous if the measurement values captured by a sensor unit 5 are transmitted to a receiver 14 located outside the work chamber 2 via a transmitter 12 for wireless transmission. As a result, measurement values can be saved and/or stored externally, for example by way of the receiver 14 or for example in a cloud. As a result, the measurement values can be backed up and/or an analysis of a plurality of cleaning procedures advantageously can be made possible for observing the performance of the cleaning machine 3.

A wireless transmission of measurement values by the transmitter 12 of the sensor unit 5, as depicted in FIG. 1 or in FIG. 3 , can also allow the current cleaning procedure to be tracked.

The heat buffer 11 of the sensor unit 5 is advantageously designed to simulate a temperature response behaviour of a cleaning item.

During an operation of a cleaning machine 3, such as the dishwasher 15 in FIGS. 1 and 2 or the washing machine in FIGS. 3 and 4 , at least one process variable can be measured, in terms of process technology, in the liquid-carrying work chamber 2.

In the process, the sensor unit 5 is placed in the work chamber 2 before a cleaning procedure. At least one process variable can be measured with the ingress of the free-flowing cleaning liquid 13, or else before that, in particular if the process variable is an ambient variable, in particular an ambient variable as described above. By way of example, it is possible to capture an exposure of the sensor unit 5.

During the cleaning procedure, one or more physical properties of the cleaning liquid 13 which preferably flows freely in the work chamber 2 can then preferably be captured, transmitted to the receiver 14 via the transmitter 12 and stored. Consequently, at least one process variable of the cleaning procedure can advantageously be ascertained.

A cleaning procedure can be particularly improved by a method and a device 1 by way of an at least partially continuous capture of measurement values during operation, as is the case in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 or FIGS. 3 and 4 .

The sensor unit 5 is removed from the work chamber 2 after the cleaning procedure. The measurement values captured by the sensor unit 5 can also be read out and/or stored, in particular outside of the cleaning machine 3, after the cleaning procedure.

In general terms, the invention proposes a device 1 for capturing at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber 2 of a cleaning machine 3, in particular a washing machine 4 and/or dishwasher 15, wherein a sensor unit 5 configured to capture the process variable is designed for detachable arrangement in the work chamber 2.

List of Reference Signs

1 Device

2 Work chamber

3 Cleaning machine

4 Washing machine

5 Sensor unit

6 Power supply

7 Sensor

8 Storage means

9 Time measuring means

10 Collecting surface

11 Heat buffer

12 Transmitter

13 Cleaning liquid

14 Receiver

15 Dishwasher

16 Dish insert 

1. A device (1) for capturing at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber (2) of a cleaning machine (3), the device comprising: a sensor unit (5) configured to capture the at least one process variable, the sensor unit (5) being configured for detachable arrangement in the work chamber (2).
 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises an encapsulated power supply (6).
 3. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises at least one sensor (7) for at least one of temperature, pH value or exposure.
 4. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises a memory for capturing measurement values of the at least one process variable.
 5. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises a timer for capturing a time of measurement of the at least one process variable.
 6. The device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a collecting surface (10) for cleaning liquid (13) formed on the sensor unit (5).
 7. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) forms a heat buffer (11).
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the heat buffer (11) is configured to simulate a temperature response behaviour of a cleaning item.
 9. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (5) comprises a transmitter (12) for the wireless transmission of measurement values.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning machine is a washing machine (4) or dishwasher (15).
 11. A method for operating a cleaning machine (3), the method comprising measuring at least one process variable in a liquid-carrying work chamber (2) of the cleaning machine using a sensor unit.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one process variable is a physical property of a cleaning liquid (13) which flows in the work chamber (2).
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one process variable is an ambient characteristic variable.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the ambient characteristic value is an exposure of the sensor unit (5).
 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one process variable is measured using the sensor unit (5) which is configured for detachable arrangement in the work chamber (2), and the method further comprises placing the sensor unit (5) in the work chamber (2) before a cleaning procedure.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises removing the sensor unit (5) from the work chamber (2) after the cleaning procedure. 